Focus FRANCE 24 English
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Our Focus programme brings you exclusive reports from around the world. Every day at 8:45am Paris time.
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Dutch tech companies voice concern at plans for tougher stance on immigration
The Netherlands has always been known as a business-friendly country. But the country looks set to become a lot less hospitable following the result of November’s elections, in which the far right won the most votes. The four parties seeking to form a government have vowed to limit immigration, hitting both high-tech workers and students. Companies have started to voice their concern and some are even threatening to leave the country. FRANCE 24's Alix Le Bourdon and Fernande van Tets report from Eindhoven, one of Europe's biggest tech hubs.
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Canada: Quebec warns of 'humanitarian crisis' amid surge in asylum requests
In the space of a year, asylum applications in Canada have jumped 56 percent. In an official letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Quebec Premier François Legault claims that "the situation [in Quebec] has become unsustainable", with the province saying it receives 55 percent of the country's asylum seekers. With public services at breaking point, the provincial government is asking Ottawa for more than a billion dollars and full powers over immigration, saying Quebec is on the brink of a "humanitarian crisis". Meanwhile on the ground, reception and accommodation conditions for tens of thousands of asylum seekers are deteriorating. Our correspondents report.
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France sees boom in second-hand clothing shops
With inflation taking a toll on people's finances and amid a growing sense of responsibility towards the climate, second-hand shops are booming across the globe. In France, around 10 percent of clothes each year are now resold, and thrift stores are attracting a wider audience. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Shona Bhattacharyya.
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World Press Freedom Day: Gazan journalists in the line of fire
More than six months after the start of Israel's devastating offensive in response to the October 7 attacks, Palestinian journalists in Gaza continue to pay a heavy price. According to the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF), more than 100 have been killed, with at least 20 slain in the line of duty. Meanwhile, the international press is still banned from accessing the Palestinian enclave, much to its frustration. For RSF, Gaza is on the verge of becoming a "news black hole". So under what conditions are journalists reporting from the ground there? How is information reaching us? FRANCE 24's Tarek Kai reports. Warning: This report contains distressing images.
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China becomes world's electric vehicle powerhouse, causing concern in EU
China's electric vehicle (EV) industry has grown exponentially in recent years, encouraged by colossal state subsidies. China produces three quarters of the world's car batteries, a huge advantage for carmakers who can drastically reduce their production costs and expand internationally. The Asian giant is now the world's top exporter of cars, dethroning Japan. But the situation is worrying the EU, as Brussels fears unfair competition could seriously harm its car industry. Our correspondents report.
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German mothers face countless hurdles to get back to work
Women make up nearly half the active population in Germany, but the arrival of a baby completely changes their position in the labour market. More than 70 percent of mothers of children under the age of six work part time. Mothers – particularly in the west of Germany – are still encouraged to stay at home for a few years after giving birth, but a mediocre childcare system also plays a part. The lack of nursery places is glaring, with more than 400,000 children on waiting lists. In response, the state is investing billions and even guarantees childcare places for all children up to the age of 10. But the problem persists. Our correspondents report.